Extra Security

Waking, I open my eyes and see Darius asleep next to me. He looks so different. Looking at him now I realise there was a constant look of stress on his face before.

That appears to have gone now he’s asleep. I’m going to be late for breakfast. Moving carefully I get up and ready, walking out I smile at Yori.

“Morning Miss Elara, we will escort you to breakfast.”

“Thank you Yori, where is Kellan?” I must have fallen asleep on the walk back as I can’t remember anything.

“He’s not back yet. He was meeting someone.”

“Alone?” Why would they let him go alone?

“Not alone, the king ensured there were plenty of guards there. Before Kellan even left guards were situated in the place he was going to. He’s safe.”

Words don’t help. Yori always went with him, so now how do we know he’s safe? I look around and notice more guards on doors.

“What’s happening?” Something is.

“They are making sure everyone is safe. Ensuring that each person has enough security. Whoever is using your face won’t get close to any contestant or maids and such.”

“Did they find out who it was?”

That is more important right now, who was in the garden? They knew my true identity.

“No, there was no traces of them. The full garden and land are been searched for secret ways in that the brothers may not know about. Once they know about them, guards will be stationed there.”

Surely now someone knows it’s me, I should be allowed to say? I can stop people going against Kellan and Darius. Then it’s one less thing they need to worry about.

Walking in, Sage runs to me. This seems like a repeat thing.

“Sorry, I’m fine however, so don’t worry.”

She hugs me. “You were too damn fast, then I lost sight of you, couldn’t find you, and it took five minutes for Darius and Kellan to get to you.” I didn’t think it was that long.

Then again, I switched off, I just ran and got lost in my wolf.

“You got hurt, didn’t you?” She pulls back and looks over me.

“My leg, but it’s healed already.” I pull her towards he table and we sit. Everyone is glaring at me, what have I done wrong now?

“You put both the king and prince in danger.” Lyra looks at me.

“I didn’t intend to. Plus, how is it my fault that someone who wasn’t meant to be here got in?” They can’t blame me for that.

“You should leave. Look around you, nothing but trouble follows you and you’re risking their lives.”

“Me leaving wouldn’t make a difference in whether they were safe.” Kellan would just follow to ensure I was safe, and Darius? I don’t know, but me leaving would put them in more danger. I rub my finger against my palm to concentrate my mind and try to stay calm.

“No, you leaving won’t make a difference at all, will it Elara?” Astrid looks at me. Now she’s starting.

“Ladies, please don’t argue. There is only five of you left.” Yori looks at her and Callista just sits back smiling.

“I’m not arguing, but I agree with Lyra, she should leave. Then we might actually have a chance of winning.” Astrid glares over at me.

“I’m in the lead Astrid, I don’t need her gone to win.” Lyra laughs.

“No? Will that view change if you know she slept with the king?” My body stills, the other morning. She did hear what Darius had said. Lyra turns and looks between us. “Nothing to say to that?”

Rubbing my finger across my palm sucks. Winter is growling, so I begin pinching the tips of my fingers. I don’t know what to say.

“I’m sure the king has already expressed any more accusations, and you will be removed.” Yori steps closer to us.

“It’s not an accusation, I thought it was weird that Elara hadn’t came down to eat yesterday. So I went up, it appears you guys knew something was happening as you were quite a distance away from her door, wasn’t you Yori?” Astrid glares at him.

“I go where I need to be Astrid.” His words are cold and she laughs.

“Yes, you disappear so you can appear unaware that she was in bed with the king.”

“Stop!” I look at her. “You’re lying.” She may have heard what he said, but it doesn’t confirm anything.

“See, I’m not.” She stands and walks towards me, standing up I back away from her as Yori steps in front of me. “I opened your door a small bit and well, it was clear exactly what you two were doing in your bed.”

Shit. Winter growls, and I force myself to step back more.

“Astrid, I suggest you stop. Elara hasn’t had her wolf long enough to control it.” Yori stays between us.

“Oh, I know. If the mutt attacks me without me hurting her, she is gone.” She steps closer, and I move back. I watch as Sage moves between me and Yori.

“Don’t do it.” Sage looks at me. I’m trying. Really damn hard.

“You’re not denying it. I didn’t need to look more than a few seconds to realise what was happening.” Astrid looks around Yori trying to see me.

“Enough!” Lyra jumps up and faces her. “The king wouldn’t do that.” I wish Lyra believed her words, but she doesn’t, even I know she believes Astrid.

“He has though. We’re not winning Lyra, he chose her!” She points at me, and Sage pushes me back more.

“That’s enough! Even if you had seen that Astrid, it isn’t your place to spread gossip! If you have an issue with what you think you saw, speak to him.” Yori stays between us, but Astrid just laughs.

She isn’t backing down. This isn’t going to be good.